Storage Safety 101: Tips from a Pro

Written By Michael Conti

Are storage unit thefts common? Shows like Storage Wars may give the impression that storage is a hot target, but that’s usually more hype than reality. While break-ins do happen, they’re not all that common – but it doesn’t hurt to take a few precautions.

Picking a Good Facility

Your best bet for keeping things safe is to start with a well-maintained, secure facility. Before you commit, make sure the place has a good setup and ask about their security measures. Better yet, visit in person if you can. Look for these things:

  • Bright lighting indoors and outdoors.

  • A secure fence or gate with access control.

  • Cameras positioned where they can capture activity.

  • A working relationship with local law enforcement.

What Good Security Looks Like

While cameras can help catch a thief after the fact, they’re not usually a strong enough deterrent on their own. Top-notch facilities often use access control systems that require a personal code or card and, ideally, individual door alarms. These tools are a big step up, giving managers a real-time log of who’s coming and going.

Doing Your Part for Safety

Once you’ve picked a secure facility, there are still a few things you can do on your end to protect your stuff:

  • Put valuables at the back. If you’ve got high-value items, tuck them behind other boxes or furniture. This can help discourage “crash and grab” thieves who break in and grab whatever’s easiest to reach.

  • Choose a good lock. Not all locks are equal. Skip the long shackles that can be cut easily. Instead, go with a disc lock. These are tougher to break into and will go a long way in keeping your valuables safe.

A Team Effort for Security

When it comes down to it, keeping a storage facility safe is everyone’s job. We pride ourselves on having customers who care about their neighbors’ safety. If you see anything that looks off, let us know right away—swing by the office, give us a call, or leave a note. We’re here to help, and working together makes a big difference in keeping our community safe.

Michael Conti